Shrek the Musical - "Exceptional"

March 22, 2024

It's an annual event that sets High Point Academy apart – our Spring Musical. Our Fine Arts Department is known for its remarkable talent, outstanding directors, and entertaining performances. This year is no exception as we present Shrek the Musical, based on the Oscar® winning DreamWorks film that started it all, bringing the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre to life on stage. The reviews from opening night say it all. "This is one show that everyone should experience," says Bert Wakeley, winner of the Theatre Advocacy Award by the South Carolina Theatre Association (SCTA). 

Here is his review: 

“SHREK THE MUSICAL” PRESENTED BY THE STUDENTS OF High Point Academy IN SPARTANBURG.

I had the privilege of attending opening night of Shrek The Musical this evening, invited by my friend Chase McAbee. I had great expectations. I knew it would be great. I was wrong! It was exceptional. The cast was outstanding. I have not seen that much enthusiasm on a stage for some time. Now, to Shrek! Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek (Xander Dotson) whose precious solitude is suddenly shattered by an invasion of annoying fairy tale characters. They were all banished from their kingdom by the evil Lord Farquaad (Ryland Kelley). Determined to save their home -- not to mention his -- Shrek cuts a deal with Farquaad and sets out to rescue Princess Fiona (Aubree Bishop) to be Farquaad's bride. Rescuing the Princess may be small compared to her deep, dark secret. The entire cast was totally into the musical. First, the acting was great, the choreography outstanding, the singing wonderful and the production something anyone would be proud of. The sets, lighting, sound, back stage crew were all excellent. The large cast was always totally coordinated. Directed by the fantastic Drew Kenyon, the cast included Finley Baumann, Bobbie Mercer, Jermaine Jones (a fabulous donkey), Kaylee Ramos-Romero (a wonderful singing voice), Cooper Kelley, Pepper Erskine, Lily Hernandez, Mia Smith, Faith Marthers, Madelynn Jarvis, Elanor Johnson, Warren Colegrove, Emily Brown, Ariana Ivanov, Mya Stephens, Madison McCoy, Eva Russell, Oliver Huckaby, Kayleigh Colegrove, L Davis, Phoenix, Leuthiphonh, Fraya Batten, Ellery Johnson, Anaya Pradhan, Jianna Schirmer, Emma Avakian, Kayley Cepeda, Marielle Tavernetti, Taylor McCoy, Mena Codespoti, Kaci Gorman, Emma Kambur, Olive Owens, Suzana Pruitt, and Kiahna Pshelensky. WOW. The total Ensemble was excellent. The fairytale characters, the guards, the dancers – all were very good. You feel very good about life when this musical ends. It takes much hard work to support those on stage. The Production Crew included Hayden Alwine, Autumn Arcaro, Emma Avakian, Ian Cabal, Jaden Cabral, Jaylon Caree, Chase Courtney, Adelyn McPeters, Renat Prokopchuk, Camdyn Pruett, Lolah Sheets, Joshua Soddu, and Cooper Sullivan! Outstanding. The sets were exceptional. The scenic artists who achieved that are Leely Thomas, Rosa Acevedo, Cooper Sullivan, Makenzie Baily, Lily Hernandez, Rikku Waters, Ari Smith, Violette Marchuk, Molly Netsburg, Stella Drill, Alivia Moss, Kennedy Madala, Mary Laws, Violet Scheffler, and Aphrodite Papakostas… The crew that managed costuming outdid themselves. They include Elizabeth Cardoso, Stella Drill, Bryena Davis, and Megan Cabral. And finally, there is the artistic crew that coordinated the entire show... Chase McAbee is Music Director, Katie Bowman is Choreographer, Quianna Wood is Assistant Choreographer, Technical Director is Ryan Bishop, and Casey Plyler is the Virtual Orchestra Manager. All excellent. This is one show that everyone should experience. It plays through March 24. DON’T MISS IT!!!! And to all the wonderful actors, continue to break legs. You are outstanding. Stay enthusiastic!! That captures the audience. 

Your Fan, Bert Wakeley

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Our Performing Arts Center is hosting three shows this weekend:

Friday, March 22: 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 23: 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 24: 3:00 p.m.